"Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all
people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for
all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many
were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many
will be made righteous." (Rom 5:18-19, NIV2)
Forgiveness is
impossible for most people. After all, they have been hurt quite deeply,
and the offender merits hefty consequences! Still, the One who was most
hurt by our actions, the One we turned our backs on, not only willingly
forgave us, He even paid the price of our offences by having His
precious Son die for us on a lonely cross so that we didn't have to live
in unforgiveness forever. And this is not the end of it. Not only did He
pay the price for our rebellious strikes, He goes a step further: He
pursues us with His love and encourage each one of us to accept His
forgiveness. Never have we seen such a love on our planet!
Lieutenant Thomas C. Holland shouted to his Company G, 28th Virginia
Infantry, "Come on boys!" While he broke through the Union line on
cemetery Ridge during the Gettysburg attack. What he didn't expect was
to be shot, with a bullet piercing his cheek and exiting the back of his
head. No wonder he ungraciously fell from his horse.
He was
urgently carried to a Union field hospital where he later miraculously
recovered. His 88 men didn't fare that well, however. 81 were listed as
killed, wounded, or missing. That lieutenant had lots of reasons to hate
his enemy. They were completely merciless. Still, 50 years after the
battle, Thomas returned to the same spot where he fell, met the union
soldier who had shot him and shook hands with him.
Forgiveness
sure frees the one who has been hurt. Love is always way better than
hatred. Imagine if our God had been unwilling to forgive us! Where would
we be?
Rob Chaffart
Shaking Hands With the Past. Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (5:18-19)
Today's Bible Verse:
"I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of
this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be
promised." (Acts 13:38, MSG)
Shaking Hands With the Past. Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (5:18-19)
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